The kit and weapons carried by the infantry were decisively improved over the long war years. To enable them to keep up with the tank units, the gunners were upgraded to mechanized infantry. The K98 carbine was gradually replaced by semi-automatic weapons such as the MP40, 43 rifle and 44 automatic rifle, in order to increase the combat capability and fire power of the individual soldiers. Bazookas and anti-tank rocket launchers would enable the infantrymen to combat enemy tanks at close range.